1 Timohty 3

In this chapter we see titles. Up to this point it has been general instruction for believers, and to men and women. Here we see instructions given to church leaders. In one sense it is specific to pastors, but these descriptions are ones that all believers should live with.

1 Peter 2.9-10, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

We all have the responsibility to share God and to live lives that demonstrate we are His, but those who aspire to be church leaders desire to do a fine work. And because of this fine work there is a high standard we are held to. James 3.1, "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment."

Here Paul lays out the requirements for overseers and deacons. These are instructions for church leaders. In this list of requirements we really see the need to model, the need to set an example. If we aspire to lead a group of people, we need to go into it with the words of the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ." (11.1)

An overseer must set an example in his personal life; he must set an example of how a Christ follower lives. He must set an example of being a family man; he must show what a Christian husband and father looks like. He must be an example of what it is to walk with God. A new convert is not supposed to be given this office, but someone who has walked with God through trials and stood firm in Him. An overseer, a pastor, must set an example of how to be in relationship with God. Finally, an overseer must have a good reputation outside of the church; he must set an example for the community of what a Christ follower is.

The requirements for a deacon are similar. They are not spelled out to the same extent, but they carry the same ideas of setting an example in life, the home, and the community.

All of these qualities are given for the leaders of the church. Those who aspire to leadership are to do so in order to lead the church into what it is supposed to be. It is a family, therefore the leaders must be able to manage their own families before they can manage the family of God. The church is a gathering where all people are welcome, we saw in chapter 2 that God is the God of all people, and the one mediartor, Christ, died to save all people. The leader is to set an example in the community so that people will feel both welcome and will see that the Church is different. Finally, the church is to be a display and support of the truth. It is to show what truth is, and stand firm beneath it. The leaders of the church must live the same way. Their lives must demonstrate truth for all to see, and the way they live must support the truth, never giving any reason for it to be questioned or accused.

If the church is going to be the Church it is called to be, it must begin with the leaders being the leaders they are called to be. Pastors, let us model Christ for our flocks to follow.

Peace be with you